I am writing to express my deep concern about the ongoing shortage of NC Innovations Waiver slots in [Your County] and across the state. As you know, this program provides vital services to individuals with intellectual disabilities, enabling them to live in community settings rather than institutional facilities. Unfortunately, the current wait times for these services are excessively long, causing significant hardship for affected individuals and their families. The Registry of Unmet Needs currently lists over 17,000 people who are eligible for the NC Innovations Waiver but have not yet received services. I urge you to prioritize the expansion of NC Innovations Waiver slots in the upcoming state budget. By allocating additional funds, we can help alleviate the burden on individuals and families who are desperately waiting for these essential services. Moreover, I believe that increasing funding for Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) is crucial to addressing the shortage of available waiver slots. The current pay rate for DSPs does not adequately compensate them for the challenging and rewarding work they perform. By providing a more competitive wage, we can attract and retain qualified DSPs to support individuals with intellectual disabilities. Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. I look forward to your continued efforts to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities in North Carolina. Sincerely, [Your Name] [Your Address]